Adviser to the National Command Authority, Lt Gen (r) Khalid Kidwai has said that there is little probability for war between Pakistan and India because of the nuclear weapon stockpiles maintained by both countries.
“Pakistan’s only enemy is India and our nuclear programme is India-centric,” he said at a rare public talk held at the Institute of Strategic Studies on Pakistan’s role in Nuclear Security Summit.
Lt Gen (r) Khalid Kidwai further said, “However there is little option for war between the two countries because of the nukes possessed by them. War is not an option for resolving the outstanding issues between India Pakistan and diplomacy and political approach should be given priority.”
Referring to a recent report released by the Harvard Kennedy School Gen (r) Kidwai termed it as loose talk and made it clear that no one could dare to steal Pakistan’s nukes.
The report had said that, “With Pakistan moving towards tactical nuclear weapons, there is an increasingly higher risk of nuclear theft.”
The NCA adviser said Pakistan maintains a strong command and control system over the safety and security of its nukes.
He said Pakistan is not at all apologetic on its missile and nuclear programme and it would not be capped at all. Lt Gen (r) Kidwai said that the nuclear programme will continue for Pakistan’s defence.
Expressing grave concerns over India’s access to the Nuclear Supplier Group’s (NSG) he said Pakistan has friends at NSG and all measures would be taken at diplomatic level to protect our strategic interests.
Kidwai led the administration of Pakistan’s nuclear and missile weapons program for 15 years. He now serves as an adviser to the National Command Authority, a committee of the top civilian and military leaders that sets the country’s nuclear weapons policy.
